PARTNERS WITH HIM THROUGH PRAYER
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks, be made for all men…For this is good and acceptable
in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and
to come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
The different kinds of prayer mentioned in our opening text cover all the kinds of prayer you ought to pray for others. It says, “…first
of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.…” The word “supplications” is from the Greek “deēsis”, which refers to petitions or a definite request. In the general
sense, a petition is a formal written plea or entreaty with legal demands. Thus, in these supplications, we make requests on the legal basis of the provisions of the Gospel.
The next one is “prayers,” and this is from the Greek word “proseuchē” which means “to offer prayers.” “Proseuchē” is a derivative of another Greek word, “proseuchomai” which means “to pray to God in worship.” God wants us to offer prayers of worship, proclaiming blessings upon all men.
Next on the list is “intercessions,” from the Greek word “enteuxis,” a derivative of “entugchanō,” which refers to having a discussion, like an interview. Here you can actually talk like you’re familiar with the person you’re discussing with and present your case.
It’s like what the Bible says in Isaiah 43:25-26: “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.” The Lord says, “Let us plead together.” In other words, “Let’s argue together” like they do in a court of law. That’s what you do when you intercede; you present your case.
The final one is “giving of thanks,” from the Greek, “Eucharistia.” With this kind of prayer, you express your gratitude to the Lord for what He’s done and still doing in the lives of all men around the world. God needs
us as partners with Him through prayer. His desire is to have all men saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Let your consciousness of the Gospel spur you to prayers and intercession for the sinners, for the lost, and for the nations. Pray that many more will receive salvation and live for the Lord. Ensure you pray this way continually; it’s what you have to do.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for your love and great grace manifested in Christ Jesus. Your desire is to have all men saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Therefore, I pray for the lost today, that they’ll
hear and receive the message with which you’ve sent us, your labourers, and that the eyes of their understanding be enlightened to recognize the truth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Timothy 2:1-4 AMPC; Philippians 4:6-7; Acts 1:14
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 10:1-23 & Genesis 31-33
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 9:1-9 & Esther 7-8
